KSOP probes barge collision at Mahakam Ulu Bridge, companies summoned

The Samarinda Class I Harbor Master and Port Authority Office (KSOP) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into an incident involving a coal-laden barge that struck a bridge pillar of the Mahakam Ulu (Mahulu) Bridge in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Tuesday (Dec 23, 2025).

The investigation covers all aspects of shipping operations related to the incident, including the roles of harbor pilots, assisting personnel, and the pellet station involved.

“We are carrying out a comprehensive investigation, starting from the pilot and assistants, and extending to the pellet station. We are also evaluating communication between officers, the vessel’s captain, and the pellet station,” said Mursidi, Head of KSOP Class I Samarinda, on Thursday (Dec 25).

In parallel, KSOP is coordinating with the East Kalimantan Public Works and Housing Agency (PUPR) to assess the extent of damage to pillar P6 of the bridge. The assessment is aimed at ensuring the safety of the strategic infrastructure before it is fully reopened to traffic.

Mursidi said both the ship-owning company and the Port Business Entity (BUP) responsible for pilotage services would be summoned as part of the accountability process.

“Once the examination is completed, we will proceed with case documentation. There will certainly be a meeting with the company,” he said.

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KSOP will wait for the results of a technical audit by the PUPR team before determining compensation for the damage to the bridge pillar. Meanwhile, the vessel’s captain is undergoing intensive questioning by the Water and Air Police (Polairud).

Mursidi also said there were indications that the barge M80-1302, towed by tugboat KD2018, may have transited outside the approved schedule. Under existing regulations, vessel movements beneath the bridge are scheduled based on tidal conditions, typically between 08:00 and 10:00 local time (WITA).

“That is why we are reviewing whether the vessel passed within the designated schedule. If it is confirmed that the transit occurred outside the approved window, we will need to reorganize the scheduling system to ensure proper coordination going forward,” he said.

KSOP is scheduled to hold a coordination meeting with the East Kalimantan PUPR next Monday to discuss preliminary findings from the investigation. In the meantime, KSOP continues to enforce a notice to mariners prohibiting vessels from passing beneath the Mahulu Bridge.

The incident previously drew public attention after state port operator Pelindo said the barge, owned by PT Dharmalancar Sejahtera, struck the bridge pillar at around 05:00 WITA, approximately two hours before the official pilotage schedule began.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak